Method of manufacturing a rodent repellent cable

ABSTRACT

A rodent repellent cable includes a jacket, a transmission means for facilitating transmission of electrical current or data, and a repellent bonded to at least one component of the cable. A method of manufacturing the rodent repellent cable includes electrostatically bonding a repellent to one or more components of the cable and adding the jacket around the internal components of the cable. The repellent is preferably an olfactory stimulant configured to repel rodents. Prior to adding the jacket around the internal components, the method may also include wrapping, enclosing, or otherwise surrounding one or more of the transmission means with a separator and/or wrapping, enclosing, or otherwise surrounding an assembly of internal components with a sheath. Additionally, prior to adding the jacket around the internal components, an assembly of internal components may be passed through a cooling apparatus to cool the assembly to a pre-determined temperature.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a divisional of U.S. Nonprovisional patentapplication Ser. No. 16/669,341 filed Oct. 30, 2019, entitled, “RODENTREPELLENT CABLE”, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/753,287 filed Oct. 31, 2018, entitled, “RAT REPELLENTSYSTEM”, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by referenceherein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to the field of electrical and otherwiring infrastructure systems, fiber optic cable systems, and animalrepellent systems. More specifically, the present invention relates toelectrical cables and fiber optic cables for repelling rodents andmethods of manufacturing same.

2. Description of Related Art

Rodents and similar small mammals are often found inhabiting areas alsopopulated by people. Homes, vehicles, and other man-made structuresprovide opportunity for rodents to live and flourish, eventuallyprogressing to the level of infestation. Even a single rodent can createcatastrophic issues, such as spreading disease and inflicting or causingdamage to structures, vehicles, and other items.

One specific example of such damage relates to electrical systems.Electrical wiring and electrical conduit generate heat, resulting fromthe flow of electricity therethrough. While rodents are warm blooded,they are sensitive to decreases in temperature. As a result, rodents areinstinctually drawn to heat-producing wires, e.g., electrical wires, asa means to augment their body temperature with heat from the wires.Oftentimes, rodents will chew wires, causing power outages or fires,and/or presenting a dangerous potential for contact with exposed livewires. It has been postulated that a trend of transitioning frompetroleum-based cable components, e.g., jacketing and primary insulationapplied directly onto conductors, to more plant-based biodegradablematerials, in an effort to reduce waste, has resulted in an increasedincidence of rodent-inflicted wire damage, as rodents are supplementingtheir diets with the plant-based components as a food source.

Twenty percent (20%) of fires of undetermined origin are attributed toshort circuits caused by rats chewing on the insulation of electricalwiring. Additionally, rodent-inflicted damage to car wiring systems isbecoming increasingly prevalent, which, as discussed above, isattributable to automakers switching to more plant-based biodegradablematerials in an effort to reduce waste. While efforts, such as jacketingwire with metal conduit, or the like, have been made to shield wire fromrodents, the current materials of electrical wiring and electricalwiring insulation are not designed to repel rats.

Pest control currently involves measures taken after an infestation orproblem is discovered. Companies currently offer services to removerodents from an area through use of chemical or mechanical devices. Forexample, traps are commonly used to curtail rodent infestation.Typically, traps are set only after a rodent is discovered. However, onenoticeable issue with traps is that they are limited in the quantity ofrodents they can address. Additionally, they must be reset oncetriggered. And, yet further, traps are typically designed to killrodents, which many view as inhumane. While these types of treatment maybe effective to address smaller-scale, existing rodent issues, they donot proactively prevent inhabitation or reoccurrence of infestation.

Poisons are also commonly used to kill rodents. Rat poison is a commonand generic term for an anti-coagulant composition designed to causefatal internal bleeding in the rodent after consumption. Just as withother treatments, such as snap-style traps that are designed to killrodents, poisons are viewed by many to be inhumane. Further, the effectof poison compositions is indiscriminate, i.e., they have a similardetrimental (and potentially lethal) effect on humans—especially youngchildren—or domesticated animals, if consumed.

Visual acuity of rodents is very poor. To compensate, they use theirolfactory system as a means for navigation. Rodents' olfactory systemsare adversely affected by certain substances. For example, a rat'solfactory system is acutely and negatively affected by menthol. Rat'solfactory cells act as receptors to atomic or molecular interaction withmenthol. Exposure to menthol causes rats to experience the “freezing”sensation humans can similarly experience when exposed to concentratedmenthol. This is a devastating effect for a rat, since it relies soheavily on its sense of smell for navigation.

Research studies have shown that menthol is naturally attracted, andbinds, to copper to form a coating on its surface. Among other things,the menthol coating acts as a protective barrier to protect copper inacidic environments.

Based on the foregoing, clear deficiencies exist in prior art pestcontrol systems' ability to proactively prevent inhabitation orreoccurrence of infestation or address a large number of rodents.Further, current treatments may be viewed as inhumane and presentpotential adverse side effects and health concerns to humans anddomesticated animals. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a cableand method of manufacturing same that contains a non-toxic repellent forrepelling rodents from homes, vehicles, and other structures, items, orareas containing wire or cable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A rodent repellent cable includes, but is not limited to, an outerjacket, a transmission means for facilitating transmission of electricalcurrent or data, and a repellent bonded to at least one component of thecable. The transmission means extends longitudinally through an interiorof the cable, the interior being defined by an interior wall of thejacket.

In an embodiment, a method of manufacturing the rodent repellent cable,includes electrostatically bonding a repellent to one or more componentsof the cable and adding the jacket around one or more internalcomponents of the cable, such that the one or more internal componentsare disposed within the interior of the cable. The repellent ispreferably an olfactory stimulant, such as menthol, configured to repelrodents.

In some embodiments, prior to adding the jacket around the one or moreinternal components of the cable, the method includes wrapping,enclosing, or otherwise surrounding one or more of the transmissionmeans with a separator. In various embodiments, the separator isconstructed of a non-conductive material, such as paper or aramidfiber/yarn.

In some embodiments, prior to adding the jacket around one or moreinternal components of the cable, the method includes wrapping,enclosing, or otherwise surrounding an assembly of internal cablecomponents with a sheath. In various embodiments, the sheath ispreferably, but not necessarily, constructed of a non-conductivematerial, such as paper or aramid fiber/yarn.

In some embodiments, prior to adding the jacket around one or moreinternal components of the cable, the method includes passing anassembly of internal cable components through a cooling apparatus tocool the assembly to a pre-determined temperature.

The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, willbe apparent from the following, more particular description of thepreferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, andthe claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objectsand advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuingdescriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings brieflydescribed as follows.

FIG. 1 illustrates a partial perspective cutaway view of the rodentrepellent cable, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial perspective cutaway view of the rodentrepellent cable, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial perspective cutaway view of the rodentrepellent cable, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the rodent repellent cable,according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a system for manufacturing the rodent repellentcable, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a system for manufacturing the rodent repellentcable, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a method of manufacturing the rodentrepellent cable, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages maybe understood by referring to FIGS. 1-7, wherein like reference numeralsrefer to like elements.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, rodent repellent cable 5 includes one ormore wires 10 or one or more fibers 15 disposed within an interiorportion of cable 5 defined by the inner wall of outer protective jacket20. Wire 10 may be any conductive wire for facilitating the transmissionof electrical power, electrical signals, telecommunication signals, etc.Additionally, one or more of wires 10 may be insulated. Fibers 15 may beany non-conductive material, e.g., glass (silica) or plastic, forfacilitating the transmission of data for telecommunications, computernetworking, etc. Repellent 25 is adsorbed, adhered, or otherwise bondedto at least one component of cable 5. Repellent 25 is preferably anysubstance that repels rodents, based on a negative olfactory stimuluswhen the rodents are subjected to repellent 25. Connectors (not shown)may be coupled to the ends of cable 5 for facilitating connection tosystems, devices, etc.

In an embodiment, at least one wire 10 or fiber 15 is wrapped in, orotherwise surrounded by, one or more separators 30. Separator 30 isconstructed of a non-conductive material, such as paper or aramidfiber/yarn, and may be used for a number of reasons, including, but notlimited to, insulating the wrapped wire 10 or fiber 15 from othercomponents within jacket 20 and/or providing structural support,protection, and tensile strength to cable 5.

Separator 30 may be embodied in a number of ways. For example, separator30 may be a tubular member for housing fibers 15. As another example,separator 30 may be one or more strips of material that is folded,rolled, or bundled lengthwise to surround wire 10, fiber 15, or othercomponent surrounding wire 10 or fiber 15. As yet another example,separator 30 may be a spiral wrapping, whereby, in use, separator 30 iswrapped around wire 10 or fiber 15 in a spiral fashion.

In an embodiment, sheath 35 is disposed within jacket 20 and surroundsan assembly of cable's internal components, e.g., wires 10 or fibers 15and, optionally, separator 30. Sheath 35 is preferably, but notnecessarily, constructed of a non-conductive material, such as paper oraramid fiber/yarn.

In an embodiment, repellent 25 is menthol. Menthol is a non-toxicsubstance, i.e., it is not known to be lethal, or otherwise detrimentalto the health and safety of humans and/or animals. This is important, asit would ensure that the pests are not harmed, killed, or otherwisedealt with in an inhumane manner. Additionally, it would ensure thesafety of young children, domesticated animals and individuals chargedwith the removal, disposal, and/or recycling of the cable at the end ofits service life.

FIGS. 5-7 show example systems and methods of manufacturing the rodentrepellent cable. At step 100, repellent 25 is introduced to one or morecomponents of cable 5. This is accomplished a number of ways, including,but not limited to: passing the components through vaporized repellent25; spraying liquid repellent 25 onto the components or immersing thecomponents in liquid repellent 25 and allowing the components to dry; orpassing the components through a suspension of repellent particulate 25,whereby repellent 25 binds to the components through the assistance ofan additive, e.g., an adhesive, and/or an electrostatic bond. Repellent25 may be prepared in solution through generally understood means suchas dissolving solid repellent 25, e.g., menthol in crystalline form, insolvents, e.g., propylene glycol, or converting solid repellent 25 intoa liquid by heating solid repellent 25. Following is a non-exhaustivelist of examples of the process of binding repellent 25 to thecomponents of cable 5.

Example 1

Agitator 40 has one or more air handlers 45, such as fans or air hoses(the hoses being connected to pressurized air sources, e.g., an aircompressor), for circulating air within agitator 40. Repellent 25 isadded to agitator 40, whereby the circulating air is configured tomaintain suspension of repellent 25 within agitator 40. As wire 10 ispassed into and through agitator 40, suspended repellent 25 binds towire 10. Binding of dry repellent to wire 10 may be naturallyfacilitated, e.g., by static electricity. The binding effect may beenhanced by addition of an electrical charge to wire 10. In some cases,repellent 25 will naturally adsorb to wire 10. For example, as discussedabove, when exposed to copper, menthol naturally adsorbs, i.e., binds,to the copper to form a coating thereon.

Example 2

Separator 30 and/or sheath 35 is passed through, or positioned within,agitator 40. Prior to entering agitator 40 or while in agitator 40,separator 30 and/or sheath 35 may be moistened with a solvent, e.g.,with propylene glycol, or prepped with an adhesive or other bondingagent to facilitate attachment of atomized, suspended repellent 25within agitator 40. A sprayer or other means (not shown) may be employedto moisten or prep separator 30 and/or sheath 35 with adhesive or otherbonding agent.

Example 3

An electrical current may be applied to wire 10 and repellent 25 tocreate opposing electrical charges to promote bonding between wire 10and repellent 25. As seen in electroplating or powder coating, theopposing electrical charges create an attraction between wire 10 andrepellent 25, whereby repellent 25 binds to wire 10 to form a coatingthereon.

Example 4

Repellent 25 may be vaporized, whereby one or more cable components arepassed through the resulting vapor. As the vapor condenses and dries,repellent 25 adsorbs, adheres, or otherwise binds to the components.

Optionally, at step 110, at least one wire 10, fiber 15, or othercomponent surrounding at least one wire 10 or fiber 15 is wrapped in, orotherwise surrounded by, separator 30. In an embodiment, wire 10 wrappedin separator 30 is an uninsulated wire 10, e.g., a bare copper wire.

Optionally, at step 120, an assembly of internal components, including,but not limited to, wires 10 or fibers 15 and, optionally, separator 30,is wrapped in sheath 35.

Optionally, at step 130, the assembly of internal components, with orwithout sheath 35, is passed through cooling apparatus 50 to cool thecomponents to a pre-determined temperature. This is done to avoid lossof repellent 25, due to vaporization during the jacketing process.Hence, the pre-determined temperature is calculated based on the boilingpoint, i.e., vaporization temperature, of repellent 25, the initialtemperature of repellent 25, the specific heat capacity of repellent 25,the jacketing temperature, and the length of time repellent 25 isexposed to the jacketing temperature. If the boiling point of repellent25 is higher than the temperature of the jacketing process, use ofcooling apparatus 50 is not necessary. If, however, the boiling point ofrepellent 25 is lower than the temperature of the jacketing process,cooling apparatus 50 may be used to lower the temperature of repellent25 to a pre-determined temperature such that the temperature ofrepellent 25 does not reach the point of vaporization during thejacketing process.

At step 140, jacket 20 is added, whereby the cable's internalcomponent(s), including, but not limited to, wire(s) 10 or fiber(s) 15,and, optionally, separator 30 and/or sheath 35, are disposed withincable's interior. One skilled in the art would understand and appreciatethat application of jacket 20 could be accomplished in a number of waysknown in the art.

While the foregoing method is described and shown in a numerical,step-wise order, it should be understood that the steps are not limitedto any specific order. Additionally, some steps may overlap in time,i.e., they may be carried out simultaneously, with other steps.

The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments forthe purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the inventioncan be embodied in other ways. Likewise, it will be readily apparentthat the features, functions, and/or elements of the present inventiondisclosed herein can be used in any combination to produce variousembodiments of the present invention. Therefore, the invention shouldnot be regarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodimentsdisclosed herein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope withthe following claims.

We claim:
 1. A method of manufacturing a rodent repellent cable, themethod comprising: electrostatically bonding a repellent to one or morecomponents of the cable, wherein the repellent is an olfactory stimulantconfigured to repel rodents; and adding a jacket around one or moreinternal components of the cable, such that the one or more internalcomponents are disposed within an interior of the cable, the interiordefined by an interior wall of the jacket.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the repellent is menthol.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein,prior to adding the jacket around the one or more internal components ofthe cable, the method further comprises: adding a separator around atransmission means, the transmission means being disposed within theinterior of the cable.
 4. The cable of claim 3, wherein the separator isa tubular member.
 5. The cable of claim 3, wherein the separatorcomprises one or more strips of material.
 6. The method of claim 3,wherein the separator is spirally-wrapped around the transmission means.7. The method of claim 3, wherein the transmission means comprises oneor more conductive wires, wherein the separator is added around at leastone of the one or more conductive wires.
 8. The method of claim 7,wherein the one or more conductive wires comprise a copper wire.
 9. Themethod of claim 8, wherein the repellent is menthol.
 10. The method ofclaim 7, wherein the separator is made of paper.
 11. The method of claim3, wherein the transmission means comprises one or more optical fibers,wherein the separator is added around at least one of the one or moreoptical fibers.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the separator ismade of aramid yarn.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the repellentis menthol.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein, prior to adding thejacket around the one or more internal components of the cable, themethod further comprises: wrapping an assembly of internal cablecomponents in a sheath.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the sheathis made of paper.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the sheath is madeof aramid yarn.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein, prior to adding thejacket around the one or more internal components of the cable, themethod further comprises: passing an assembly of internal cablecomponents through a cooling apparatus to cool the assembly to apre-determined temperature.